Fifth-grader represents Lexington in upcoming regional spelling bee

Eleven-year-old Betsabe Medina is moving on to the regional Spelling Bee competition after winning the 2013 title for Lexington City Schools on Friday.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

Eleven-year-old Betsabe Medina is moving on to the regional Spelling Bee competition after winning the 2013 title for Lexington City Schools on Friday.The Charles England Elementary School fifth-grader was up against seven other students. In the ninth round she spelled pantheon correctly, making her the winner.“I’m really excited that I will represent Lexington City Schools,” she said. “(I’m excited) I can keep competing and keep on winning if I try my best.”More than 20 school personnel, parents and family members filled the administrative board room in support of the students. Each of the elementary schools had two representatives. Other contestants were NyLasia Brown, fourth-grader at Southwest Elementary; Nathan Bun, a fourth-grader at Charles England; Jamarien Dalton, a fourth-grader at Pickett Elementary; Emily Harman, an eighth-grader at Lexington Middle School; De’Shaun Sherill, a seventh-grader at LMS; Jada Wilhite, a fifth-grader at Pickett and Mollie Zehmer, a sixth-grader at LMS. Alex Holt, a fifth-grader at Southwest was unable to compete due to an illness.Emy Calderone, assistant superintendent of elementary, congratulated all of the students for making it to the local contest.“You are already winners,” she said. “We’re just so proud that a fifth-grader competed so well. We’re really working hard in the elementary schools. It’s showing.”Each student received a certificate, medallion and Walmart gift card. Betsade also received a NOOK tablet and a special plaque that will be presented to her at a school board meeting.Betsade, the daughter of Pedro and Sugenia Medina, noted her parents, sister ­­ ­— Elizabeth (a freshman at Lexington Senior High School), classmates and teacher, all helped her study for the competition. At school, she enjoys reading, projects and studying for her future. She also has an older brother — Pedro Medina Jr., a seventh-grader at LMS. She plans to get stuff for her family from Walmart and is thrilled to be able to download books on the tablet.“I’m going to read a lot now. I’m excited,” she said.The regional competition is March 24 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. Rona Lockhart, principal of Charles England, said Betsabe is a wonderful student who studies hard and takes her school work very seriously.“We’re so proud of her. She’ll be an excellent representation of Lexington City Schools,” she said.

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

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